BangShift reader Bill Gantner tipped us off to this magnificent creation that he first spotted on BringATrailer.com, which is a site you should also be reading every day. The BAT boys found this very unique 1931 Ford Model A drop top for sale on DesertClassics.com and that’s where we learned the cool story behind what has to be considered the grand-daddy of the TRAR!
The Ford was modified for use as a mail delivery vehicle in the snowy reaches of Montana. The huge tractor tires were designed to allow the machine to float up over the big snow banks that often impeded the progress of everything but the toughest of trucks. We dig the mis-matched wheels. Up front there are some spoked wire where but out back there are wooden spoked pieces. Also, the fact that the modifications were done professionally in 1941 by an outfit that really knew what they were doing makes this a cooler machine. The fenders were modified to clear the huge tires, the builders added a rear axle from a Ford TT truck for better gearing to turn the massive tires, and of course the big diamond style treaded Goodyear tires were added at that time.
It must have taken some serious guts to wander off into the Montana wilderness with a few bags of mail in this creation. Why they chose to use a rag top style car is beyond us, especially when dealing with the elements like this one was planned to do. Hell, whoever was ballsy enough to drive this around every day probably wasn’t effected by stuff like bone chilling cold and wind. Their mojo was far too strong for suck wimpy and trivial challenges.
Scroll down to see more photos of this Ford and the link to the DesertClassics site!
Makes you wonder if they were any others created, surely the mailman wasn’t the only guy who wanted to be able to drive around in the snow…
Reminds me of some of the russian stuff of a similar vein
Good Gravey I want it or build a replica!!!
I’ve seen photos of others in Montana — often Model A based, but some T based ones as well, but I’m just one county north of “16”.
i don’t think it took a more manly man to drive this. After all, it was a luxurious step up from what they were using previous to this, think 4 legs and saddle….
It is the first trar I have ever wanted! Maybe first monster truck…err trar.
ahhhh bigfoot 1 finally found!!!
A good candidate for 2013 DRAG WEEK DAILY DRIVER CLASS !!!!!